Drake Nevis explodes on to the scene

Drake Nevis (DT, Marrero, LA) - One of the
hottest prospects throughout the South preps at John Ehrett (LA).How did
this 6' 1&quot;, 287 pound defensive tackle become such a hot commodity?

"I
was named the Defensive MVP at the Nike combine at LSU," stated the Ole Miss
commitment, Drake Nevis.

What type of
numbers did Drake put up at the combine to earn MVP?

"I ran a 4.87
forty and measured in at 6' 1", 287. I should have run a 4.7 if I would have
brought in my cleats. I benched 185 pounds 31 times, which was the most at the
camp. I had a 28.4" vertical and I ran a 4.79 shuttle."

"I
was getting a lot of attention before that combine, but things just went crazy
after (the combine took place)."

And exactly what took place?

"I
started getting scholarship offers from all over the place. Miami, Florida, LSU
gave me one, Colorado, Nebraska, Clemson, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Auburn, Alabama,
and Mississippi State. It is just a blessing from the man above. I worked hard
for this."

Drake is no stranger to the Louisiana circuit as he collected
80 tackles, 15 losses, 15 hurries, 8 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, 1 for a TD, and
2 caused fumbles as a junior for John Ehrett last season.

The Rebels happened
to learn about Drake while they were evaluating a couple of players they were
hoping to sign in the '06 class.

"Coach Wilson saw me play last year
when he was scouting Kentrell Lockett and Ricky
Dixon when we played Destrahan. He told my coach after both games that he
was going to do what ever it took to get me. They sent me an offer in the mail
right after the Hahnville game last year. That meant a lot to me. It told me that
they recognized my talent before everybody else."

Now that Drake
has offers from many of the top programs in the country; does Drake still stand
firm with his verbal commitment?

"Yes sir, so far."

What
attracted Drake to Ole Miss?

"I like their academics. They lead the
SEC and are in the Top 10 in the country. Their coaching is good and their defensive
style fits my style. They play a fast attacking style, just like how I like to
play. They just treat you like family over there. And another thing, they have
a lot of people from New Orleans up there, so it is not like I will be the only
one from around here over there. They know how we (New Orleans people) are around
there. I saw Kentrell Lockett at their senior camp on Saturday. He was telling
me how it was up there. He said it is straight, that I would fit right in."

A
coach once said that the recruiting game does not begin until the kid commits;
which colleges are keeping the pressure on this talented youngster?

"There
are a lot of them that are coming after me hard. But I would have to say Auburn.
Well, it is between Auburn and Florida. And Miami and Alabama too. It would have
to be those four schools. They just call and text message and write. They just
let me know that they are really interested in me."

How does the Ole
Miss staff react to their competitors?

"Coach Wilson tells me that
they will treat me like I am family. Not only is Frank (Wilson) from New Orleans,
but Coach Orgeron is from where my father was raised. They use to play against
each other and stuff. Ole Miss is just like a big family. That is what they tell
me. They are going to make sure I become a man outside of football. They got my
back."